Despite its size the falls are difficult to fully see from the bridge, and steep terrain makes off-trail improvisation to the upper tier difficult. Still, Juney Whank Falls come highly recommended for its easy access, high volume, and spring rhododendron and azalea blooms.

You may continue 1.2 miles past Juney Whank Falls to the Deep Creek Trail, which is steps away from the Indian Creek Trail. These trails complete a 2.3 mile loop highlighted by access to Indian Creek Falls and Tom Branch Falls.

Worth Noting

Arrive early to avoid crowds that build quickly, especially on weekends.

Camping and Backpacking Information

BACKPACKING IN THE SMOKIES

Great Smoky Mountains National Park requires a permit and advance reservations for all backcountry camping in the park. Before planning your backcountry trip, please read through this important information about reservations and permits, regulations, bear safety, trail closures, and more.

Please direct questions concerning backpacking trip planning to the Backcountry Information Office at (865) 436-1297. Phone calls are the preferred method of contact. The information office is open daily from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time). In addition to answering your backpacking questions, the experienced backpackers in the Backcountry Information Office can provide you with tips to make your trip safe and enjoyable.

Backpackers and hikers are subject to all Backcountry Rules and Regulations. Failure to abide by park regulations may subject you to a fine under Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations. Maximum fine for each violation is $5,000 and/or 6 months in jail.

General Backcountry Regulations

1. Camping is permitted only at designated backcountry campsites and shelters.

2. You may not stay at any backcountry campsite for more than 3 consecutive nights. You may not stay consecutive nights at campsite 113 or at any shelter.

3. Maximum party size is 8. Two parties affiliated with the same group may not stay in the same campsite or at the same shelter on the same night(s). Special permits may be issued for a few sites that accommodate parties of up to 12.

4. Fires are only allowed at designated campsites and shelters and must be contained in a fire ring. Constructing new fire rings is prohibited. You may only burn wood that is dead and already on the ground. You may not cut any standing wood.

5. It is illegal to possess firewood originating from a location from which a federal or state firewood quarantine is in effect. Read information about this quarantine and the states affected.

6. Building a fire in the fireplace of any historic structure or removing any parts of a historic structure, including brick or rock, is illegal.

7. Backcountry permit holders may not use tents at shelters.

8. Hammocks may only be used within designated backcountry campsites. They may not be used inside shelters and may not be attached to shelters in any way.

9. All odorous items (e.g., food, trash, lip balm, toothpaste, stock feed, hay etc) must be hung on the bear cable system at each campsite or shelter.

10. Human waste must be disposed of at least 100 feet from any campsite, shelter, water source or trail and must be buried in a hole at least 6 inches deep.

11. All food, trash, clothing, equipment or personal items must be packed out.

12. Burning food, trash or anything other than dead wood is prohibited.

13. Carving into or defacing trees, signs, shelters or other backcountry features is illegal.

14. Soap, even biodegradable soap, may not be used in any water sources. Bathing and washing dishes should be done well away from water sources and campsites.

15. No dogs or other pets are allowed on any park trails except the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail. No dogs or other pets may be carried into the backcountry.

16. No motorized vehicles are allowed in the backcountry.

17. No hunting is allowed anywhere in the park

18. Feeding, touching or teasing wildlife is prohibited. You may not willfully approach within 50 yards (150 feet) of elk or bears.

Fishing Information

Fishing is permitted year-round, from 30 minutes before official sunrise to 30 minutes after official sunset.

The park allows fishing in all streams except Bear Creek at its junction with Forney Creek, and Lynn Camp Prong upstream of its confluence with Thunderhead Prong.

A valid fishing license from Tennessee or North Carolina is required to fish in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Either state license is valid throughout the park and no trout stamp is required. Fishing licenses and permits are not available in the park, but may be purchased in nearby towns or online.

Daily Possession Limits: Five (5) brook, rainbow or brown trout, smallmouth bass, or a combination of these, each day or in possession, regardless of whether they are fresh, stored in an ice chest, or otherwise preserved. The combined total must not exceed five fish. Twenty (20) rock bass may be kept in addition to the above limit. A person must stop fishing immediately after obtaining the limit.

Size Limits: Brook, rainbow, and brown trout: 7 inch minimum. Smallmouth bass: 7 inch minimum. Rockbass: no minimum. Trout or smallmouth bass caught less than the legal length shall be immediately returned to the water from which it was taken.

Lures, Bait, and Equipment: Fishing is permitted only by the use of one hand-held rod. Only artificial flies or lures with a single hook may be used. Dropper flies may be used, with up to two flies on a leader.

Rules and Regulations

Horses are permitted on the Juney Whank Trail.

Bikes are not permitted on the Juney Whank Trail.

Tubing is permitted from the trailhead area north to the Indian Creek Trail junction.

Horses and Stock are permitted on the entire Deep Creek Trail - Indian Creek Trail Loop.

There is no entrance fee to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Pets, motorized vehicles, and bicycles are not permitted on backcountry trails in GSMNP.

Leashed pets are allowed in developed areas and along roads, but are not allowed on park trails.

Directions to Trailhead

The Deep Creek Trailhead is located just north of Bryson City, NC in the southwest quadrant of the Park. The Deep Creek Trailhead is located 44.6 miles from the Sugarlands Visitor Center, and 16.3 miles from the Oconaluftee Visitor Center.

From the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, travel 12.4 miles south on Highway 441 to Highway 19. Veer right on Highway 19 and take this into Bryson City. Look for signs pointing to the Deep Creek Trailhead and Campground - there are several in Bryson City and all are viable routes.

Travel .5 miles from the Highway 19 turnoff in Bryson City to Deep Creek Road. Veer right on Deep Creek Road and travel 1.5 miles to Tooth Creek Road. Turn left on Tooth Creek Road and follow this to the Deep Creek Trailhead parking lot.